Minnesota Power and Minn. National Guard to celebrate constructed solar array at Camp Ripley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 6, 2017

CAMP RIPLEY, Minn.-
Camp Ripley will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Minnesota Power and the Minnesota National Guard at 10:30 a.m. on April 13, 2017, at the solar array observation platform on Camp Ripley.

"Solar energy jobs in Minnesota have grown 232 percent in just the last three years. The Camp Ripley solar energy array helps continue this tremendous economic growth, while ensuring the Minnesota National Guard has a reliable energy source," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "Our Administration remains committed to renewable energy efforts that are good for our health, good for our environment, and good for our jobs."

A partnership between Minnesota Power and the Minnesota National Guard has produced a solar array at Camp Ripley in Morrison County that boosts clean energy production for Minnesota Power customers and provides energy security for Camp Ripley.

"This partnership with Minnesota Power is an important milestone in our goal of moving toward Net Zero in all that we do," said Maj. Gen. Richard Nash, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard. "The solar array will not only help provide for our facilities at Camp Ripley, but will also support our surrounding communities with a source of clean energy."

The $25 million, 10-megawatt solar farm covers more than 60 acres of the Camp Ripley cantonment area, making it the largest solar farm in Minnesota and one of the largest on any National Guard installation in the United States. This comes nearly two years after Minnesota Power and the Minnesota National Guard signed a Memorandum of Agreement in 2014.

"I want to thank the National Guard for the historic partnership that provides energy security for Camp Ripley and helps Minnesota Power provide the affordable, reliable, safe and clean power for our communities and customers," said Al Hodnik, chairman, president and CEO of ALLETE, Minnesota Power's parent company. "This solar array underscores the power of public-private partnerships to transform the nation's energy landscape as Minnesota Power continues to pursue its EnergyForward strategy of diversifying its energy mix while meeting the states' solar energy goals.

The 63-acre solar array contains more than 120,000 panels capable of generating 17,000 megawatt hours per year, or enough energy for nearly 2,000 customers. Its purpose is to provide clean energy to the Minnesota Power network while acting as a ready source for Camp Ripley should a disruption in normal service happen.

The development and construction of this project has helped garner national attention for environmental initiatives in the state and helped raise awareness of clean energy use by other agencies. The solar array helps the Minnesota National Guard meet energy security and renewable energy goals at Camp Ripley while providing Minnesota Power with one-third of the electricity needed to meet the Minnesota Solar Energy Standard.

"Minnesota has been a nationwide leader in promoting renewable energy, reaping the rewards in good-paying jobs, cost savings for our people, and environmental benefits," said Sen. Nick Frentz.

Al Hodnik, ALLETE Chairman, President and CEO, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Nash, Adjutant General of the Minnesota National Guard, and other invited dignitaries will take part in a salute to the renewable energy partnership that made this achievement possible.

Please join Minnesota Power and the Minnesota National Guard to celebrate the recently constructed solar array at Camp Ripley on Thursday, April 13, 2017, at 10:30 a.m.

Posted: 2017-09-26 12:02 PM CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. - One of the most difficult, most sacred, honorable duties in the military is one that people don't often think about. It takes compassion, empathy, care, and requires great resilience. It is one that when called upon to train for, they hope to rarely perform because it means another Soldier has been lost. It is the duty of casualty notification officer and casualty assistance officer.

About 45 Minnesota Army National Guard Soldiers came to Camp Ripley, Minnesota, on September 21-22, 2017, for a Reset Seminar to find fellowship in one specific thing they have in common: delivering the worst news in the Army.

When a Soldier dies at home or overseas, CNOs and CAOs must notify and help families through the process, including paperwork, benefits, and funeral arrangements.

"The education and experience these Soldiers will receive is invaluable," said Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Hybben, 1-194th command sergeant major. "Our Soldiers will have operated in joint forces operations with fire and maneuver, which will allow for best practices to be shared and used in the future. They will have a better understanding of other military forces and how they operate not only strengthening our force but everyone involved."

The Brainerd-based battalion spearheaded the mission to Sweden as the most recent element of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division to have taken part in joint international training missions throughout Europe since early 2017.

Posted: 2017-09-20 08:33 AM WINTHROP, Mass. - Settled in 1630, Winthrop is one of the oldest communities in the United States. Service members of all branches of the military from this seaside town just north of Boston have fought on behalf of their state and nation since the Revolutionary War. On Saturday, Sept. 16th, Maj. Gen. Jon Jensen, the commanding general of the Minnesota-based 34th Red Bull Infantry Division, participated in a ceremony that honored one of Winthrop's own: Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Biggio.

Like so many young men of his era, 19-year old Winthrop native Andrew Giovanni Biggio raised his hand to volunteer for service in 1944. He was assigned to B Company, 135th Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division. An infantryman, Biggio fought valiantly with the Red Bulls, liberating the Italian towns of Viterbo, Cecina and Liverno. His heroic actions in combat earned Pvt. 1st Class Biggio a Bronze Star Medal.

"The Minnesota National Guard continues to diversify our force and grow strong leaders," said Brig. Gen. Sandy Best, chief of staff of the Minnesota Air National Guard. "Strong leaders are able to self-manage and channel emotions to produce desired behaviors and results."

The forum is part of an overall effort to promote an inclusive culture, diversify the organization, grow strong leaders and provide professional leadership development for both women and men. The topics will focus on emotional intelligence, leadership, high performing teams and creating a championship culture.